From staff reports
The City of Beaufort has named Ashley Brandon its public information officer, according to a Jan. 2 news release. She began in her position on Monday, Jan. 6.
Brandon will manage external communications for the City, including media and community relations, social media, media releases, and newsletters, among other responsibilities.
Formerly the downtown manager, events coordinator, and director of Main Street Beaufort, Brandon began her tenure at the City in June of 2023 with the Department of Downtown Operations and Community Services.
“I am proud to have ensured that our Downtown remained beautiful and vibrant while always maintaining our history and heritage,” she said in a news release. “I have focused on driving community interaction and awareness while creating an environment people are excited to spend time in.”
“Ashley’s background and familiarity with City operations make her well qualified for her duties as our new public information officer,” City Manager Scott Marshall said in a news release. “She’s already been performing at a high level and we look forward to leveraging her talents in becoming even more accessible, responsive and transparent.”
“I am honored to join the City of Beaufort as the public information officer, and I look forward to working with the community and the dedicated team at the City to ensure that all residents are informed and engaged in the activities and initiatives that affect their daily lives,” Brandon said. “As a local I am proud to call Beaufort home and I am even more proud to represent our beautiful city.”
Brandon succeeds Kathleen Williams, who recently retired.
Before coming to the City, Brandon owned and managed a social media marketing business. Her past experience also includes working for the Arkansas Secretary of State in the elections division and serving in the U.S. Navy as an interior communications specialist. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s in political science and speech communication, and a graduate of Battery Creek High School.
Brandon has two sons, 17 and 10 years old.
